A mechanical engineering major and a physics minor at Manhattan College, Diaz was born in Puerto Rico and spent most of his childhood in the South Bronx. He is hoping to pursue a career in the aerospace industry after graduation. A member of the Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma honor societies, Diaz also is part of the College’s jazz band and orchestra.

“I have found Miguel to be a mature and passionate student who is dedicated to go to the aeronautic industry and fulfill his passion about the outer space. He has a curious mind that will help him to be a good researcher,” said Peyman Honarmandi, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering, who supervised Diaz’s research during the summer of 2018.

The Goldwater Scholarship is awarded to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. Over its 30-year history, Goldwater Scholarships have been awarded to thousands of undergraduates, many of whom have gone on to win other prestigious awards like the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship, Churchill Scholarship and the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship that support our Scholars’ graduate school work.

Today, Goldwater alumni can be found conducting research that is helping defend the nation, finding cures for catastrophic diseases and teaching future generations of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate.

Graduate School & Fellowship Advisement

The Center for Graduate School and Fellowship Advisement helps provide preparation and support to graduating students and alumni who are interested in applying to graduate schools, professional schools, or external fellowships.